Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Corral. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kristen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’ve thought a lot about this as an adult, but even more so since I’ve become a business owner. I believe work ethic is part nature and part nurture. Both of my parents have an incredible work ethic and worked full-time my entire childhood. But I also have to attribute it to my background in sports. I was a competitive dancer from the ages of 6-18. Every day after school I would spend 3-5 hours training. Then, on weekends, our studio’s competition team would travel to compete against other studios in the US. Competitive sports taught me several life skills that I use every day like time management, perfecting skill sets, working with teams, and, most importantly, how to lose (or fail) with grace. It has also made me extremely competitive, which greatly contributes to what motivates me. Interestingly enough, last year I took a personality test that determines how you are in a work environment, and it said that I was more competitive than 98% of the population. If you know me, you will laugh at that statistic because it’s pretty accurate.
I’m confident my work ethic has been an integral part of my success. I don’t like to fail, and oftentimes, if my skill set is lacking, my drive will get the job done. It’s also pushed me to continue to learn new things as my businesses grow. But it can be overwhelming at times. I often don’t take breaks or days off and I feel guilty if I’m not doing something work-related. This year I’m embracing being kinder to myself and finding more time to spend with my family and friends. There’s something to be said for what Gen Z calls ‘work-life balance”.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Being a small business owner is just about the hardest job there is. When you start a business you have this idea that you’re time will be your own, but you quickly learn that working for yourself is often a lot harder than working for someone else. Even with all the ups and downs, to me, owning a business is extremely rewarding and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
In 2024 for our brands, Tacotarian & Good Morning Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, I’m focused on guest and employee retention. This last year has been particularly challenging for small businesses due to inflation and the increases in the cost of living. That’s why it’s incredibly important to pay attention to guest satisfaction and guest retention. What if all your regulars came twice this month instead of once? How would that impact your business?
Most small businesses rely heavily on repeat business. So how do we keep customers coming back? Rewards are a great way to do this! I’m looking into non-discount rewards like secret menu items to help drive traffic without cheapening the brand. But something as simple as a personal note with a purchase can be the difference between a one-time or a repeat customer. Loyalty is an often overlooked tool in small businesses, but it shouldn’t be.
We’re also introducing a robust digital training program at Tacotarian for our employees called OPUS that will increase performance and understanding of the brand. It allows employees to train using short-form courses on their phones followed by quizzes to make sure they are retaining important information. This won’t replace in-person training, however, it will enhance the way our employees learn.
In my personal life, I’m getting involved in charities that I love. Last year I joined the board of the Nevada SPCA life-saving animal shelter and the marketing committee for the National Association for Women Business Owners Southern Nevada. Both these organizations do incredible work in the community and it’s been exciting to be a small part of their successes. Being part of the community has always been important to me, well before I got into business. I think it’s something that everyone should consider.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn:
Continuous Improvement: The business landscape, especially in areas like marketing and technology, is constantly evolving. Your curiosity and willingness to learn ensure you stay ahead of trends and adapt to changes effectively.
Innovation
Through Learning: By continually seeking knowledge and new experiences, you open doors to innovative ideas and methods that can revolutionize your business practices.
Building a Learning Culture: As a leader, your attitude towards learning can inspire a similar mindset in your team, fostering a culture of continuous growth and development within your organization.
2. Drive, Work Ethic, and Motivation:
Setting and Achieving Goals: Your drive and motivation are crucial for setting ambitious yet achievable goals and tirelessly working towards them, thus leading to success.
Overcoming Challenges: A strong work ethic helps you navigate through tough times. Your resilience in the face of challenges is a key differentiator between success and failure.
Inspiring Leadership: These qualities not only fuel your personal success but also inspire your team. Your passion can be contagious, motivating others around you to put in their best effort.
3. Learning Basic Marketing Skills:
Effective Communication: Your skills in storytelling and content creation enable you to communicate your brand’s message compellingly, connecting with your audience on a deeper level.
Digital Proficiency: Understanding digital marketing tools and platforms, like Google My Business and social media, allows you to reach a wider audience and tap into new markets.
Cost-Effective Strategies: With skills in creating websites, blogging, and copywriting, you can execute many marketing tasks in-house, significantly reducing costs while maintaining control over your brand narrative.
Data-Driven Decision Making: By understanding the basics of digital marketing, you’re better equipped to analyze data and metrics, making informed decisions that drive business growth.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
In 2017 I made the decision that I was going to scale my first business Little White Dog Co. (a pet care business that I’ve since sold) and I began to learn as much as I could about marketing and scaling. I soon found myself at a marketing convention and the keynote speaker was Mark Schaefer. He was discussing his upcoming book “Marketing Rebellion- The most human company wins”. He talked about how everything we previously thought about marketing was obsolete. Traditionally, founders hid behind their brands and stayed quiet. But now, consumers want to buy from people they know and people who align with their values. That book truly shaped the way I see my businesses and how I market to my customers every single day. It’s all about making a connection with your customers and showing them the “why” behind your brand. It’s one of the most impactful books I’ve read to date and I love telling people about it. We’re living in a world where consumers have unlimited options, so why should they choose you?
Contact Info:
- Website: eattacotarian.com, goodmorningkitchenlv.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lakristencorral
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/kristen-corral
Image Credits
Bobby Black, Jay Cariaga, Kristen Corral
